Darren Fichardt remained on course for a third European Tour title after playing his first eight holes of the final round of the Saint-Omer Open presented by Neuflize OBC in level par.

The 37 year old’s lead, which was eight shots at one stage in the third round and five shots at the start of the last day, was down to three as Simon Wakefield attempted to reel him in.

The Englishman had birdies at the first, third, seventh and eighth, but a double bogey at the fifth prevented him putting more pressure on Fichardt, who bogeyed the third and birdied the eighth to stay at seven under par.

It was looking like a two-horse race at Aa Saint Omer Golf Club, with Gary Lockerbie five shots off the pace in third place and two under for the day through nine holes. Those three were the only players under par for the tournament, which has proved a tough test in high winds this week.